Thomas Clark Obituary

Remembering Thomas on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

What a tragedy for for this wonderful man to be taken from us on his birthday. It is so evident that he was well-loved by his many friends and co-workers. I am pausing today to say a special prayer for Mr. Clark's family. I ask that God bless you in a special way today, and that you feel His warm embrace as you remember family hugs. Please know, that there are hundreds and thousands of people who will never forget, and we wish you love from Texas

Hey bud. I think I can speak for all you have touched and been friends with, that we think of you often. Not just on 9/11. You're missed everyday TC. Life's not the same without you. Keep watching over us and when any of us see you next, we expect that TC smile to greet us, a cold beer and a hug. Love ya!

I think about Tommy all the time, but especially each year on this date. The world lost a fine young man. It is obvious though the great impact he had on others. His children will be very proud of him as are his parents, my good friends Dick & Pat. May God bless.

Tommy, When I read how you'd nuzzle with your kids, I pictured you as a little guy all snuggled in my mom's lap. If "Grandma D" sat down ...Tommy climbed up. I don't know who looked more content Grandma D or you. I hope you and she are sharing a "big hugs" right now. Love 'n' prayers to you and your beuatiful, little family as well as your folks, Richie & Pat, Jimmy and Danny.

With a prayer and my love always,
Aunt Betsy

Tommy, I only met you briefly, but talked with your dad several times when he would visit the Town Yard on Saturday mornings. All the stories about you will continue to be remembered, and your memory honored. You won't be forgotten.

My very best to your family. I was recently at the WTC Memorial last week, and I started viewing a few of the names, but then was just wandering around with my fiance, admiring the pools. Then, after about 20 minutes, I'm walking by and I just happen to look down, and I see his name... and it takes me back.... because my name is also Thomas Clark, although my middle initial is J. I was drawn to want to get home from my trip and research Thomas R. Clark and find out a little more about him. My prayers to your family.

TC-wow, all this time and your memory endures distinctly, even for a fraternity brother a couple years behind you. You stood out as a guy who embodied COLLEGE. Best to your family, always.

Tommy, So easy to hang with you. I remember us laughing, always laughing. Best smile, kindest soul. My heart is with those who will meet you again, one day, happily. Much Love.

TC, Thinking of you and your family, God Bless,
Susan Bingham

Tommy is the sweetest man on Earth that I know, besides Jesus. He was first a dear friend and customer of mine for many years. I had an appt. that eve at the end of the day. I knew he was not going to be there. I talked with John Davis that day. I would give him a haircut and a scalp massage. Lisa was always fine with that. After 9/11 Matthew asked if I could give him a massage like I did for his dad... I later cried a million tears and each year after. I am happy for Lisa and Tommy's children that the have a father figure. They were to young. My continued prayers for Richard, Pat, Jim and Daniel for their lose of a good soul, son and brother. In His Faith, Colleen

i think of you alot...i miss you....laura stutenburgh

You are in our thoughts.

TC you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You are missed so much by all of your team mates. We will never forget you.
Lorraine and Bill Colavito

Tommy's wife Lisa was my client. We shared one of the most spiritually profound moments of my life the day she came into the salon and told me what happened to her husband and the conversation she had with him the evening of September 10. She gave me a red white and blue Christmas ornament a few days after our conversation. Every year i hang that on my tree a pray for her and her family. This man touched my life deeply and i never even met him.

I have never met anyone who was happier to get together with his friends more than Tommy. He always seemed to know what was happening in your life...even if you hadn't seen him in a year. He made everyone he met feel special. I miss him. God bless Tommy and America.

I will always remember Tommy's smile. He had a kind and gentle soul. He is missed by all who knew him.

Tommy's smile was infectious..and he always had it ready for anyone who crossed his path. I used to watch him play ball with my husband and their friends and he was just a ray of sunshine all the time. He is truly missed. Thinking of you today Tommy and know you're smiling down on us all.

TC thinking of you and your family today you are missed my friend

i clicked a button to dedicate my facebook status to someone who lost their life on september 11. i got thomas r. clark. i felt a need to be able to put a face, a life, to the name and got here. i wish i could do more...for him, for his family, for everyone. all i did was click a button. i guess all i can say is, we remember and we always will.

Thinking of Tommy, Lisa and the kids and the entire Clark family today.

Ed Ralston

TC:

The gift of your friendship carries on and I'm thankful for that. I always was and always will be thankful for your presence in my life.

TC:

Still miss you man. You were one of the nicest guys I ever knew and had the privilege to spend time with. Rooming with you at UR was an added bonus. I hope your children will always know what a special person you were and how you impatced everyone around you in a positive way.

always i will remember you.........you are very missed
laura stoutenburgh

T,

You were like my older brother. You and Sean were always together. It seems like just yesterday you stood up for him at his wedding. We miss you! Our thoughts and prayers are always with your family. And I wish I could hear you call me Harvey just one more time.....this time I wouldn't get mad!

To the Clark family - Just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about TC these past few days. That's the name I knew him by at U of R. It's been over twenty years and I can still picture him so clearly walking by and saying hi.

Although we were not particularly close, and he was a few years ahead of me, we knew a lot of the same people. I had met him visitng my sister at U of R when I was a senior in high school. When I enrolled the following year, he really made me feel welcome when I'd see him during those first few awkward weeks as a freshmen.

I'll never forget that easy going attitude, his smile, and genuine affable nature. He was just a cool guy.

I'll always keep him fondly in my memory and will never forget that smile.

- A fellow UR Grad

I was Tommy's assitant trader at Josephthal and I'll never forget how good of a guy you were and how hard you used to hug people. I always ask my kids to give me "big Tommy Clark hugs" in your honor. You are missed Tom. God bless you and your family.

Tommy,
I remember sitting next to you at Ed's wedding and thinking what a fine youn man you had become. I hope you know how devistated your friend Ed and his family was and still is. You are mentioned so often in our converstions. You are still with us.

Cynthia Ralston

My son Ed loved Tommy, his parents and the whole Clark family. Today (9/11/2009) Ed has sent pictures of Tommy and a article on Tommy to the entire Ralston family. So Tommy, you are not forgotten and never will be forgotten.

TC...thought about you lots today...all year for that matter. Love ya buddy.

I used to work with Tom at Josephthal. I always liked his sense of humor and admired his soft-spoken manner. (There were enough loud mouths on the desk!) He was such a sweet man. He obviously loved his family very much - you could see it all over him. My heart goes out to you all today.

A good man NEVER dies.....

Happy your birthday, Tommy.

Happy Birthday!!!

I remember bumping into Tommy & Danny on the field at a Jets/Dolphins game in the late 90s,and although I wasnt amongst his closest of friends (nevertheless we had hung out at many a party together and have many mutual friends), still Tom geeted me as though he knew me my whole life, which was indicative of the kind hearted person he was,I'll never forget that and I'll never forget him.I only regret now that I didnt get to know him better when we were younger.
God bless Toms family

TOMMY, I THINK ABOUT YOU SO OFTEN.wHEN THIS ALL CAME ABOUT i SAID TO MYSELF PLEASE NOT MY FRIEND i KNEW FOREVER... YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS.. i MISS YOU, LAURA STOUTENBURGH

Happy your birthday. I hope your drives were straight, your putting true, and the rough as daunting as Lahinch. Consider yourself hugged.....

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

In remembrance....

Lisa,

Your and your family are never far from our thoughts! TC was one of a kind, a true gentleman.

Love,

Kevin & Gail Kology

Tom and my older brother Paul were very close friends since childhood. My mom, Starr, used to call him her "adopted son", because he was in our house so often. Paul worked across the street from Tom, and watched the building fall. He was, and is, greatly affected.

I am so sorry Mr. and Ms. Clark. It was not until today that I realized how much Tom was a part of my life, too, and how sad i am that he is gone. My Mom died from cancer about ten years ago, and I sincerely hope that they visiting in he after-life -- he loved her Sunday breakfast.

I thought of TC this morning. I knew him through U of R. My older sister, who also went there, introduced me to him and he always had a smile for me when we saw each other. Well, this morning our daughters (3&4) came into our bed as they are apt to do in the morning, and my wife said, "big hugs". I immediately thought of TC and how that was the phrase that was mentioned in his NY Times profile. Although I did not know TC well, he made a lasting impression on me. His kind and gentle manner will always be something that I will try to emulate. Kindest Regards - Drew

Hey Tommy, still thinking of you and missing you tons. Love ya buddy!

"It's almost impossible to remember how tragic a place the world is when one is playing golf." Robert Lynd ~ Happy your birthday, Tommy. I wish you thirty-six holes on a tough course. xxxxx Mom

Great job, Mas! THANK YOU!!!! We love you tons and bunches - Mom

Lisa, Matthew, and Whitney,

I had the pleasure of meeting you at the once again sad and somber September 11th memorial service this past September, I lost my husband John, I just wanted to say that I am so very sorry for your loss, it seems Tom was a wonderful and honorable young man, what a blessing to have had him, life moves on slowly and profoundly I know but the loss will always be significant. You and your children are in my prayers. Laurie Hart

I had the pleasure of going to high school with Tommy. We were not very close but I vividly remember him because there was always a smile on his face... always a pleasant hello and a grin from ear to ear.



When I heard about this tragedy, I was profoundly saddened. All I could think of was that he truly was one of the good guys...what a tremendous loss.



Tommy, keep smiling down on us....maybe the world will become a better place.

Next time

you and I

will compare notes,

And what we've learned

will save us time

to learn more and

to love harder.



We are not thru,

you and I.

These hearts were woven of human joys and cares, washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth. The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs, and sunset, and the colours of the earth. These had seen movement, and heard music, known slumber and waking, loved, gone proudly friended, felt the quick stir of wonder, sat alone, touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended. The Dead - Rupert Brooke, 1914

I was another UR Phi Delt Brother of TC's. At the service it was a testament to the type of person he was that people were lined up standing throughout the church and a lot of my fellow Phi's were actually lined up on the altar. He was the one who got us all together in NYC every so often, and since his passing, we haven't had nearly the frequency or turnout (other than one in his honor not long after 9/11). We all miss him and think of him often, and our thoughts and prayers are forever with Lisa and the kids.

Wherever you are, you're making friends of strangers, entertaining children, making people laugh, solving problems, explaining history, tending to animals, comforting someone who's sad, improving the gardens, organizing a meeting of old friends, and telling wonderful, hilarious stories. Wherever you are is better for your being there. Where you are not, there's an unfillable hole. God love you. We're certain He's enjoying your good company. XXXXX

My heart goes out to you and yours. I will never forget you and your smile will always warm my heart. Old friend, how I miss you! You will live on in your children's eyes, your wife's loving heart and in all our memories. May the Lord bless you and your family.

To Lisa and Dillalo Family,

Wishing you and the family a peaceful September 11th memorial day. We must look at this day as a day of peace as we remember the disaster that took place on America's soil 2 years ago. However, Thomas would want us to continue living our lives as he remains in peace. My heart will forever think of you and your family especially on this day.

Peace & Blessings

Devoe (AFFORDABLE CLOSETS PLUS)

I knew Tommy since grammer school and he was truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. I know this is always said after someone has passed, but in this case it is 100% true. I have often thought of Tommy and the 15 years we lived a block away and I don't honestly recall many times that he didn't have a huge smile on his face and I NEVER recall him being unkind.



I never knew his wife and kids as I have long since moved away, but they have been in my prayers many times, as have Jimmy, Danny and the entire Clark family.



I hope they are all doing well and please never think that your friends have forgotten Tommy.



God Bless!

Lisa, my heart goes out to you, your children, the Clark and Dilallo families. I think of you so often. May God bless you and your children and take care of you. And may God bless Tom's soul.

Thinking of TC often. He is truly missed.

I WORKED BRIEFLY WITH TOM AT BEAR,STEARNS...HE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY...GOD BLESS YOU TOM AND YOUR FAMILY.

Dear Lisa, Matthew and Whitney,

We were so saddened to hear of your terrible loss. Tommy was a very warm, friendly and kind man. We will forever remember his infectious smile and feel truly blessed that we were able to get to know him during our brief time in New Jersey. He cared so deeply about you all as was so evident to me when he swam with Matthew at the Y, or pushed him on the swings at the train park, or even during brunch or an impromptu Chinese dinner at your house. He has left a wonderful legacy in his two beautiful children. May God bless you all. Love, Nettie, Tom, Lily and Max Keck

I had the privilege to room with "T.C." junior year at Richmond. We were from neighboring fraternities but our friendship transcended greek boundaries. Unfortunately, I last saw him a number of years ago at a Richmond-Villanova football game at Villanova. I was tailgating and someone came up from behind and gave me a big bear hug. It was him. He had not changed. Still one of the nicest guys I have had the honor and privilege to know. I am very happy that he was able to share his personality with so many and I feel very special to have had the opportunity to spend a year rooming with such a great person. I want his children to know how he impacted so many in a positive way. He truly will be missed.

Today a Blue Spruce, one of 2,961 conifer trees planted nationwide, was planted in Santa Barbara, Calif. in honor of Thomas R. Clark, by Kathy Peck. I was privileged to receive 30 Blue Spruce trees honoring 30 victims of the 9/11 tragedy. They were distributed in this area to various people who volunteered to nurture and grow them. Our thoughts are with you.

I,never knew this fine fellow,a friend called about a memorial tree., his name was givin to me. As i read about him , he was from N.J. as my mother and roman catholic as we are. I really have no words to say that could make anyone feel better. I would like to tell the family i am planting the tree, [it is a blue spuce] on my ranch it has a tag with tom s name ,.and will be on a high high hill,taken care of with much love over looking the valley. My prayer are with you now as i feel a connection, god be with you. Kathy Peck

I worked with Tom in the late eighties and later rode the elevator up to the top of the W.T.C. with him every morning. What a kind man he was and always warm and friendly. I am so sorry for your loss and may your days begin to bring healing and let Tom's love manifest itself in your hearts. God Bless your family, Gene Mahon

As I sit watching the memorial service on Sept 11, 2002, I heard the name Thomas R Clark and was again reminded of the tremendous loss to the Clark family. My heart and prayers go out to Lisa, Matthew, Whitney, his Mom and Dad, his brothers, and every person whose lives were touched by Tommy. I only met Tommy once, but I knew through Lisa what an incredible man and father he was. Lisa, I hope that you find the answers you were so desperately seeking and may your strength continue as you raise your beautiful children. Please know that my family will always be there for you.

I'm not sure if we are related but I would like for you to know that I am deeply hurt by this tragedy and cannot express the pain that I feel. I can only imagine the loss and I can only pray for the strength God has to give to you and your family. May God Bless

I had the honor of getting to know "TC" when I was a freshman at UR and he was a junior. My sister was there four years ahead of me and I had met him on a visit down to UR when I was still in high school. I was introduced to TC at a Phi Delta party and when I came back the next year as a freshman he was a friendly face in a new environment. We would always say hi to each other and chat when we saw each other around campus. He had such a great, infectious smile that would brighten your mood when you saw him. TC was a great, warm and genuine person.

I wish his family peace on the anniversary of his passing. May they take comfort in knowing that he, and the lesson that I have learned from his life, will never be forgotten. Hugs for everyone.

Tommy was not only one of the best ballplayers on our softball team, he was one of the nicest people on the team ...if not the nicest.Words can not express how sad i feel. my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and freinds.

I knew TC at University of Richmond and was saddened to hear that we lost him on 9/11. He was a sweet guy and fun to be with and I have been praying for him and his family. I hope that Lisa and his children are doing ok. Being a mom with two kids myself I can only imagine what this year has been like. All my best wishes to the Clark family.

A UR friend,

Sue Bogle Bingham

Dear Lisa,



I knew Tommy (and Danny) from growing up in Short Hills. We lost touch long ago after my family moved (I was in college), but I'll always remember him as a sweetheart of a guy, almost unbelievably kind. I want you to know that I still think about him often. None of his friends will ever forget him. My heart breaks for you and your children as September 11th creeps toward us again, and beyond. I am so sorry for your loss.

dear lisa:

i just was thinking of you and of tommy. i have some pictures of tommy

that record happy times.If I can learn how to put them here I will certainly do it. I have fond memories of your early days with him. He was enough like my husband, jim for me to really "fall" for Tommy's handsome looks, funnybone,and sweetness toward you. AT his funeral I heard a more intimate telling of his life. It is a rare experience and I was deeply moved, especially by the letter from his children. You were blessed to love this star of a man. I pray for you to endure this great sadness at his loss. You will be the person to carry on his ways. With Love, Jane

I grew up with Jimmy and Tommy in Short Hills. My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa, Matthew and Whitney.

I never met tommy. I am john Beliveau's sister-in-law. I am deeply saddened this tragedy took tommy's life. His family is in my prayers. may god bless him and his family. Lisa Whitis

My husband, Alberto, and I have known Tommy's brother, Jim for many years, and though we didn't know Tommy, our thoughts are with his whole family. Jim, when we heard of your loss, our hearts broke for you. Though we are away from Short Hills/Summit for a little while, we never forget what wonderful people live there and we will all be poorer for Tommy's passing. We will, however, remember to hug each other and our children more often, thanks to his example.

Family hugs and trains are wonderful remembrance of Thomas. May your hearts always feel the warmth of his love and presence as you continue the tradition of gathering for family hugs. May Thomas's warm heart, his life and love live on in you. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times shared with Thomas. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

I worked with Tommy at Josephthal. He made me feel less homesick for Chicago by calling me "Southside" and talking with me about blues music. He was a quiet, intelligent, kind man and everytime I listen to Hot Tuna I think of him.

First off, I'm so saddened about Tommy's passing. I attended the memorial of Richard Madden at St. Rose of Lima in Short Hills (on September 22nd)and saw Danny Clark give a eulogy and my heart went out to him -- losing his best friend, Rich, and his brother. I remember Tommy when we both grew up in Short Hills, NJ. I had a crush on him when I was about 10 at the Short Hills Racquets Club. I would watch Tommy jump off the diving board, splashing our lifeguard; sneaking into the pool during adult swim, etc. Years later in 1989 after I graduated from college and moved home, I was fortunate enough to meet Tommy at The Office in Summit, where a lot of us postgrads-still-living-with-our-parents hung out. We dated a couple of times and moved on. He was a sweetheart. He's the only person I knew who died in the WTC. To Lisa, Matthew, and Whitney, I'm sure he's looking down from heaven and sending you lots of "big hugs". God Bless You All!

My family and I had the good fortune of being neighbors of the Clark family. Tommy was a wonderful person, who always showed genuine interest with his kind heart and warm smile. We will miss him!

MAY GOD BLESS THOMAS R.CLARK AND MAY

HE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS

ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND

CHILDREN..GOD BLESS HIS FRIENDS AND

FAMILY...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY

WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS

NEW YORK AND ALL ITS WONDERFUL

PEOPLE.

I wish TC's family much peace and love for Christmas. May God and Tc be with you in Spirit over the holidays.

Hugs,

Jocelyn

I was touched by the "family hug" as described in Mr. Clark's profile.

I immediately sent an email to my sister in Florida, offering a hug and sending my love. Your tradition of hugs lives on not only in your family's hearts and actions, but in others as well.

Tommy Clark was my first major crush. He was five years older than I and probably viewed me as a cute little kid as I was in High School and he was at Univ. of Richmond. My best freind at the time lived around the corner from the Clark's and I used to make her walk with me up and down that street (until I got brave enough to do it on my own) in hope that TC would be looking out his window or be outside. I used to give him prank phonecalls late at night just to hear is voice. (Sorry for sometimes waking you, Mr. & Mrs. Clark). My friend and I became buddies with his older brother Jimmy and then I could get the scoop on Tommy as to his whereabouts. That was a long time ago, but TC was one of those people that leaves an impact. Years later when he was at Brown Brothers and I was at Kidder Peabody we would run into eachother at times in the deli or on the street. It was just like yesterday when this would happen and I would still get butterflies. He was always cool and sweet at the same time and was one of the most respectful people I knew. That is how I'll remember him. I was both happy and deeply saddened when I read he was married with 2 little ones. The entire Clark Family is in my daily prayers and Happy Birthday in Heaven TC.

I lived in Summit for most of my life. I commuted into the city for a few years. I moved into NYC 6 months ago. It was an absolute horror on Sept 11th. My heart broke seeing what I saw. I hope God takes care of you and your entire family.

I worked with Tommy at Josephthal when I lived in New York and he was such a pleasure to work with in such a crazy business--a class act. May peace be with his family.

Tommy was a fraternity brother and classmate at the University of Richmond. He was proud to be a Phi Delt and a Spider. We'll miss TC. God Bless his Family.

I was Tommy's freshman roommate at the University of Richmond. We were also fraternity brothers. T.C. was a terrific person. I will miss him.